Friday, September 07, 2007

Happy Belated Birthday, Malaysia!

On the 31st of August 2007, Malaysia celebrated its 50th birthday. For an overseas student, I actually had nothing to celebrate on that day until Tzu Yen called me. He asked me to lend him a at the Merdeka Day Celebration Gala Dinner and Ball.

Welcome!

Merdeka Day Celebration Gala Dinner and Ball was proudly brought to everyone in Perth by The Association Malaysians in Western Australia Inc. (AMWA) and also The Consulate General Malaysia in Perth. Of course, it was in conjuction with Malaysia's 50th "Birthday".

Wau (Malay traditional kite).

This huge and grand ball was organised at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Twin Towers standing proudly at the entrance of the ball room.

Since this might be my final year in Perth (might not have a chance to experience something new) and Tzu Yen really needed a helping hand, I agreed to take up his request.

Kok with headset.

My post for that day is Stage Coordinator Assistant. Sounds like an important post eh? Actually not. I was just helping Tzu Yen (Stage Coordinator) to ensure everything runs smoothly. He was the more important man. ;)

Before the ball starts.

The ball was scheduled to start at 6:30p.m. but was postponed to about 7.15p.m. Nevertheless, nothing could stop the ball from starting.

EurAsia Band.

While waiting for all the guests to be seated, a live band were performing to keep everyone entertained. Noticed the lady in orange Kebaya Kurung? She is the lead singer and can sing P. Ramlee's and also Mandarin song. Don't play play! :P

Welcoming the VVIP.

Then, the ball started with a group of people (mostly those who were going to perform) leading all the VVIP to the ballroom. I love the kompang (traditional framed hand drums) which was played to welcome the guests.

Speech by Encik Ahmad Jazri Mohd Johar.

As usual, some speeches by the important guests. Encik Ahmad Jazri, the Consul General, started off with a welcoming speech. Then, few others followed.

While the food was being served, there were lots of performances going on. All these kept the Stage Coordinators busy.

Silat performance.

Silat is Malay traditional martial arts but look at the kids. Eventhough they're not from the Malay origin, they still can master the arts! Impressive.

Malay dance by Malaysian Cultural Dance Troop.

Chinese dance by Chung Wah Dance Troop.

Indian dance by Temple of Fine Arts.

Borneo dance.

Out of so many dances that day, I like the Indian dance most. Very energetic, very "Bollywood". Two thumbs up!

Apart from all the "Malaysia" dance, here come the performance which I had been waiting for...

Elvis Presley by George Vegas.

Does he really look like Elvis?

Elvis Presley's perfomance by George Vegas. This Elvis can really sing. He sang about 4 or 5 songs non-stop! After the performance, I managed to have a short chat (too bad no photo taken with him) with him. He's a very nice guy.

Singing by Amanda Sierra.

Followed that, a gorgeous singer, Amanda Sierra, sang a few songs. Her singing and voice are awesome.

Dancing.

The ball ended with a chance for all the guests to on the dancing floor. This was accompanied by EurAsia Live Band.

There were also some performances and activities in between which I didn't manage to capture some photos of them. Most of them were really good. Too bad, I was not the guest. If not, I would enjoy the food there and also, snapping photos non-stop.

From left to right: Kok, Tzu Yen, Ash, Kaysen.

It was a tiring night. However, I learnt a lot in just one night there. It's an experience which is going to stick in my head forever. Thanks to Tzu Yen who gave me such a priceless opportunity. Seriously, I enjoy it a lot. :)

P/s: I captured some video of the performances but I didn't have time to upload them. Maybe later.
P/s/s: I'm quite busy at the moment for my final year project. That's the main reason why there's a slow down in my post.

35 comments:

Dalicia said...

I got to see the Malaysian LA Dance troup. But, NO ELVIS...

I had a great time doing joget :)

Anonymous said...

Great photos. Looks like it was a colourful day for Kokky boy!

Anonymous said...

I'm sure it was a good break after burying your head in your books all day long..

Anonymous said...

If it had started at 6.30pm sharp, it would not have been in true Malaysian spirit right? We owes must follow Malaysian time wan where ever we are :P
Eh how come you never wear formal wear?

yenjai.net said...

Luckily you went.
If not we would have miss this event, hor?

Anonymous said...

How nice to have this kind of experiences. Worth it although tired !

lynn-w said...

wa...so fun!!!!
u definately had a great time, didnt u!!
i do hope i have party or balls like that here!

eastcoastlife said...

That was a grand affair! Did they serve Malaysian food as well?

When are you graduating? Next August? Wah! I must quickly plan my holiday to Perth or else cannot have you bring me round liao. kakaka....

Kok said...

dalicia: You can do joget? Wow! You should show me video of you doing so. ;)

Aunty Judy: Wonderful but tiring. Only reached home at 1:30a.m. :P

mum in miri: Yea, at least I didn't have to face the books that day.

firehorse: Haha! That's what we had been discussing on that day. But then hor, got lots of angmo going also leh. Most of them also late. Is it a tradition everyone has to follow? :P

Errmmm... I wore formal wear but then, I don't have a coat! I know, it looks bad. hehe.

yenjai: One of my reasons for going is to take photos and show you all!:)

keeyit: Yea, at least it gives me experience for organising such a big event when I have a chance next time.

lynnwei: I was enjoying myself there. Run here and there to get things organised. haha!

You don't have such ball there?

eastcoastlife: They did serve Malaysian food. I just know they have curry! Too bad I didn't get to taste it. One ticket costs AUD$130!

If there's no accident, I'll be graduating the end of this year. Haha! I thought you say Perth is boring?

Chen said...

u didn't join in the crowd and dance? ;)

Anonymous said...

wow..that looks like a fun occasion but a lot of hard work too!

Kok said...

chen: Nolah, I was just someone behind the scene. Mana boleh mix with those who paid for the ticket?:P

Uncle Beng Beng: For guests, it's fun. But for those running this big event, it's stressful.

wonda said...

You have great leadership qualitites, seeing that you have been organizing so many activities in your previous posts. Thumbs up for you!

eastcoastlife said...

One ticket A$130! Just to eat curry!? So expensive. That sort of money can buy a cow to cook rendang!

I was told Perth is boring, you show me the fun parts lah. :)

Kok said...

Aunty Alice: Ermm... it's not my effort alone lah. Without people helping you, for sure, I'm not going to organise an event. But this event is not organised by me of course. I'm not that capable. :P

eastcoastlife: Hahaha! True hor? Can really buy a cow liao. hahaha! It's sort of a "ball" lah. That's why so expensive.

Ermm...I'll have to go find some places which are fun. Hopefully if you come, I won't disappoint you. kakaka!

MeiyeN said...

that's really a very belated birthday wishes lol... anyways, it's cool to know that there is such a great celebration outside Malaysia!

Harajuku PearL said...

Wow..sure is one big celebration. Not too late to wish our neigbouring blogger HAPPY NATIONAL day..!! cool pics..

Pearl

Kok said...

meiyen: Have been stuffed up with work. So, a really belated birthday wishes. hahaha!

I think there are lots of activities done by Malaysian overseas. Even U.K., they have their own way to celebrate Malaysia National Day.

pearl: Thanks for the compliment and thanks for dropping by. Hope you enjoy your stay here. :)

Sasha Tan said...

its baju kurung la...not kebaya!

Kok said...

sasha,
Yea ah?? haha! Okie okie, I go change now! Thanks for pointing out. :P

Anonymous said...

Looks like a really fun event. Good luck in your final yr project!

Dalicia said...

i tried to search it at youtube...no luck :) good luck with your FINAL project.

Tummythoz said...

Hi5 with firehorse. Malaysian time boleh! =P

Kok said...

blurmommy: Fun and a new thing for me. Thanks, I'll give my best shot. :)

dalicia: Ah.. Too bad. Don't worry about that then. Thanks a lot!

tummythoz: You also always late for functions ah?:P

Sue Sue said...

Eh how come you work there got no chance to makan meh. So cham ah nobody invite u? Looks like a very happening event ya.

Kok said...

jackson: I think that's the one and only time liao. Cause I won't spend $130 for that. haha!

The Elvis looks alike or not?

sue: Yaloh, nobody invites me. Work with no salary somemore. haha! But I don't expect anything in return lah. Just helping a friend. Moreover, experience more important. :) Oh yea, my friend did treat me a dinner/supper after that at Chinatown here. hehe.

It's a very happening event which not only Malaysian participated, the locals here also participated. Not bad huh?

Unknown said...

that elvis is little bit too old..kekekeke

Kok said...

spookygrace,
Thanks for dropping by. Hope you have a wonderful stay here. :)

Yea, I agree with you. But, if Elvis were alive till now, I think he'll look like that. :D

Anonymous said...

Hey, looks like it really went well! Well done, Kok. And I'm sure Tzu Yen appreciated all your help.

joy
Your Love Coach

Shionge said...

Amazing shots Kok and yes I was in Beijing when Malaysia celebrated her birthday so here it is...Happy Belated Birthday Neighbour :D

Kok said...

joy: It was quite a successful one. :) Friends should help each other, no? ;)

shionge: Thanks, shionge! Actually, all photos were taken from the side. Backstage ma. hehe.

Aiyo, I envy you lah can go Beijing. I wanna go!!:P

Thanks a lot!:)

wmw said...

So patriotic Kokky Boy! :o)

Kok said...

wmw,
Not really patriotic lah. Patriotic is when I wear a bendera Malaysia's shirt. :P

WokandSpoon said...

Hey looks like you had a great time! Great photos!

Tzu Yen said...

Hi! Only stumble upon this today. Nice write up and photos. Better than the official website (which is maintained partly by me). Haha!

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